1. Why did you start your own business?
The corporate world just didn’t work for me, hours were long and the reward didn’t seem to match. I had a passion for something else and part of that was having my freedom to create and be my own boss.
2. What are the hours that you work?
I generally work pretty long hours depending on the projects that I am busy with, but over time and having kids I have had to force myself to balance my work time and family time. So far so good and work smart not hard (The corporate world did teach me a lot)
3. How many people work in your business?
Currently I have 3 new employees for my show, I just wasn’t able to juggle it all on my own. There is always that scary moment when you realise you will now be committed to salaries at month end and may have to sacrifice your own sometimes, but in hindsight those are the team that help you tick and without them you can’t achieve as much. Everyone has their value and it forces you to realise your strengths and weaknesses and let go a little of your ‘baby’ so to speak.
4. What are the goals for your business?
My business has evolved from being involved with interiors, to sustainability and through that it has brought me to being involved in exhibitions which as given birth to a whole new passion and combination of all that I am passionate about. My mission is to spread the word and promote responsible consumerism and at the same time support the entrepreneurs and innovators who need a platform that is affordable and accessible to spread their wings and at the same time make a substantial difference to our earth.
5. How do you handle pressure?
Pressure is not easy to handle and depends entirely on the kind of pressure. Funnily enough though I am a very busy person and work better under pressure, I get bored otherwise and enjoy the challenge. I enjoy the ever changing environments and challenges that I face, it would be pretty monotonous otherwise. To keep me balanced and together I practice meditation which I totally enjoy in the morning and evening.
6. How would a man run your business differently?
Not so sure that would work, without offending anyone I don’t believe that men have the nurturing and passionate nature that women do, whether it is our children, home or our business women give their all and have the ability to juggle multiple things at once. In a man’s world I think things are quite different and they wear only one mask, whereas women can change with times and challenges.
7. How do you juggle being a mom and running a business?
When my kids were babies that was not easy, sleepless nights, work pressure and a lot less time to do things, babies are demanding. I set myself up a very good support structure with a nanny and friends and family who have been amazing, play time is important too, and especially with those who we care about and who reciprocate. As they have gotten older their understanding of work time and family time has become easier and even they are interested and excited about what I do and so supportive, bless their little souls. And they know that a lot of what I do is for them, it opens the door to appreciation and a positive parenting environment…. We do have our moments though. LOL.
8. Would you ever go and work for a boss again?
Never. I have had tough times and good times, but it would have to be very bad before I would do that. I think my family would suffer having to be in an office all day and take instruction from someone you are working so hard for to make them look good and super wealthy, why when you can do it for yourself.
9. Do you ever take work home with you?
I work from home, so work never really ends. There are pro’s and con’s to that, but good discipline and being a self- motivated person enables me to have access to my work when it is required and also be home for my kids when they need me without taking unpaid leave from an office and still being present if work needs to be caught up or done.
10. What do you do to relax?
I meditate and I spend quality time with my family and friends. Some good sleep now and again is also great when it’s possible.
11. What would you like to know more about to run your business better?
I would like to learn more about leadership and delegation. I have run my own business for so many years it’s difficult to hand some elements over to others to handle and trust that they will have the same passion and drive as you do for your business. So far so good though my team is phenomenal.
12. If you had to start again what would you do better knowing what you know now?
I would probably have saved up more cash flow before I started my business so that your first income is profit and not expenses. However you can’t really change anything that has happened and all that has happened good or bad has taught me valuable business skills and lessons and I have grown so much as a person.
13. Did you have to borrow money and if yes what route did you follow?
I have had to borrow money but have always been able to pay it back, fortunately my mom helped me at times and some overdraft doesn’t hurt, as long as you keep going and stay true to what you are doing with passion the wheel turns eventually and it’s all good.
14. What satisfaction do you get from running your own business?
I have the freedom to create and do what I love. I don’t have to be in an office at a certain time and I am available for my family when they need me. When things need to be done they get done and I don’t have to wait for departments or anything to complete my tasks, I am completely accountable for what happens and take full responsibility either way.
15. What makes your business successful?
I believe that my positive energy, people skills and ability to conceptualise and be different, even though scary at times to do things differently and follow my passion.
16. What form of marketing do you use?
I have previously used flyers, but over the last while social media has been amazing and especially with my PR lady helping me who is just such a whizz at this stuff, it’s taught me a lot of do’s and don’t’s.
17. Do you have a favourite mantra or quote that keeps you going in tough times?
Trust in God, His timing is perfect. Let it go and hand it over. All is well. And just breathe.
